Wireless LAV mic recommends? at DVinfo.net

Arturo Glass · January 25th, 2008, 03:33 AM

I'm using a Sony V1U with the onboard mic and a Rode NTG-2 shotgun mic. I'm looking to buy a wireless LAV mic package to replace the onboard mic for some shooting situations, but am clueless as to which LAV packages are better than others. Any suggestions? Experience?

Marcus Marchesseault · January 25th, 2008, 04:37 AM

This has been discussed quite a bit so I'll paraphrase. The very best, but expensive, are Lectrosonics. A good working model at a modest price is the Sennheiser G2. Whatever you do, don't spend less than $400(new) for whatever system you get and make sure it is a UHF system.

How do you like the Rode NTG-2 with the V1? I need a shotgun for weddings/events to replace the stock mic. I have occasional access to an AT-4073a that is very nice, but I can't rely on it being there in a moment's notice. I want something more sensitive than the stock mic and I'm hoping for it not to sound too harsh or have excessive reflections indoors so maybe a full shotgun is not ideal. How is the NTG-2 indoors?

Harm Millaard · January 25th, 2008, 04:49 AM

I second that. One additional suggestion is to replace the Sennheiser lav by the Countryman B6.

Wayne Brissette · January 25th, 2008, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus Marchesseault

This has been discussed quite a bit so I'll paraphrase. The very best, but expensive, are Lectrosonics.

I would argue that the Zaxcom TRX900 is probably the very best, but it also does more and cost more than the 411 system.

Wayne

Marcus Marchesseault · January 25th, 2008, 01:53 PM

I didn't even realize that there was a lav system more expensive than Lectrosonics. If you can afford high-end wireless systems, it is worth the price. They last a long time and don't become obsolete easily. The reduction in anxiety about getting good audio is priceless. The same goes for mics and tripods/heads. Cameras become obsolete in a few years but mics and other supporting equipment can go over a decade. I haven't regretted the money I spent on a Lectrosonics lav one bit.

Marco Leavitt · January 25th, 2008, 02:54 PM

With the future of the broadcast spectrum still up in the air I'd be real hesitant to invest in high-end wireless unless you are a working professional with clients demanding it. I can't say enough good things about the AudioTechnica AT1800 system. Replacing the lavs is a must though. At the very least get the AT899CW lav or better.

Wayne Brissette · January 25th, 2008, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marco Leavitt

With the future of the broadcast spectrum still up in the air I'd be real hesitant to invest in high-end wireless unless you are a working professional with clients demanding it.

The only part of the spectrum that really is up in the air is that above block 27. Even then, as Larry from Lectrosonics stated, there is still some debate about how much this really will affect US-based mixers. With a complete Lectro 411 systems selling in the $3K range and Zaxcom TRX900 in the $4K range, I don't see most non-professionals rushing out to buy these wireless units. In the class I've taught, I've brought my 900 and 411 systems, to show the class. But I usually also have the G2 system and most people end up agreeing that for what they are working on the G2 wireless systems work well enough. That pretty much sums up how I feel too. I get paid for both my experience and gear. If you're making your own short/doc/feature, then chances you are either hiring a sound person who better have their own equipment, or you're doing sound yourself and the G2 is probably more in your budget.

Wayne

Marco Leavitt · January 25th, 2008, 03:43 PM

Interesting Wayne. I've been trying to get good information about this, but it's kind of tough.

Ty Ford · January 25th, 2008, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne Brissette

I would argue that the Zaxcom TRX900 is probably the very best, but it also does more and cost more than the 411 system.

Wayne

I'll can trump that. :) At $5k a set, the new Audio Ltd 2040 are remarkable. I have audio samples in the Audio folder in my Online Archive. And I got 1000 feet with one.

Regards,

Ty Ford

Wayne Brissette · January 25th, 2008, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ty Ford

I'll can trump that. :) At $5k a set, the new Audio Ltd 2040 are remarkable. I have audio samples in the Audio folder in my Online Archive. And I got 1000 feet with one.

Nice to see you back Ty! ;-)

Wayne

Ty Ford · January 26th, 2008, 02:16 AM

Hello Wayne!!

I didn't know I'd left. ;)

Been busy though. I have the new Sennheiser 8000 mics heree now. They beckon to me even now from the studio ~~~~~~~~~~~ahhhh! ~~~~~~I'm being pulled away~~

Regards,

Ty

Wayne Brissette · January 26th, 2008, 04:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ty Ford

Hello Wayne!!

I didn't know I'd left. ;)

Been busy though. I have the new Sennheiser 8000 mics here now.

hmmm... maybe left is the wrong word, you've just been quite recently.

I'm waiting on my rental check (as is about 3/4 of the crew who rented gear) then I have both the 8040 & 8050 on my list of items to get. Everybody who has used them that I've talked with really likes them.

Wayne

Bob Kerner · January 26th, 2008, 12:14 PM

Arturo, try reading through this thread; there's a link to other threads pertaining to wireless about 2/3 of the way down: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=110967

It's worth reading. In my short lived experience, you get what you pay for; therefore, you have to set a budget and determine what your needs are. Resist the temptation to buy $100 wireless; you'll be disappointed and only have to replace them later on. That's what happened to me.

I have the Senn G2s and am happy. Wating for my new Countryman Mic to arrive. If you are looking at a package, make sure you really need all of the components. Some vendors pack in a bunch of stuff that's not really needed and only serves to inflate the price.

Cheers,
Bob

Thomas Barthle Jr. · January 26th, 2008, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus Marchesseault

A good working model at a modest price is the Sennheiser G2. Whatever you do, don't spend less than $400(new) for whatever system you get and make sure it is a UHF system.

Also make sure it is a true diversity receiver UHF system, which the EW100 G2 Senny is.

The lav mic that comes with the G2 are a bit noisy from very little movement, so I would also suggest a countryman or after market lav. The nice thing about the Sennheiser G2 system is that the lav plugs in with a standard size 1/8", so with an 1/8" to 1/8" cable, you now have access to wireless audio for a laptop. Works great for presentations (hate running all those cables).

Thomas

Jimmy Tuffrey · January 26th, 2008, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thomas Barthle Jr.

Also make sure it is a true diversity receiver UHF system, which the EW100 G2 Senny is.

Thomas

The mains powered half U rack-mount unit is but not the battery run belt pack style receiver.

January 25th, 2008, 03:33 AM	#1
Arturo Glass Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 29	Wireless LAV mic recommends? I'm using a Sony V1U with the onboard mic and a Rode NTG-2 shotgun mic. I'm looking to buy a wireless LAV mic package to replace the onboard mic for some shooting situations, but am clueless as to which LAV packages are better than others. Any suggestions? Experience?

January 26th, 2008, 02:16 AM	#11
Ty Ford Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Baltimore, MD USA Posts: 2,337	Hello Wayne!! I didn't know I'd left. ;) Been busy though. I have the new Sennheiser 8000 mics heree now. They beckon to me even now from the studio ~~~~~~~~~~~ahhhh! ~~~~~~I'm being pulled away~~ Regards, Ty __________________ Ty Ford's Audio Bootcamp Field Guide Ty Ford's Audio Video Blog

January 26th, 2008, 12:14 PM	#13
Bob Kerner Major Player Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New York Posts: 388	Try looking here Arturo, try reading through this thread; there's a link to other threads pertaining to wireless about 2/3 of the way down: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=110967 It's worth reading. In my short lived experience, you get what you pay for; therefore, you have to set a budget and determine what your needs are. Resist the temptation to buy $100 wireless; you'll be disappointed and only have to replace them later on. That's what happened to me. I have the Senn G2s and am happy. Wating for my new Countryman Mic to arrive. If you are looking at a package, make sure you really need all of the components. Some vendors pack in a bunch of stuff that's not really needed and only serves to inflate the price. Cheers, Bob

January 25th, 2008, 04:37 AM	#2
Marcus Marchesseault Trustee Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 1,961	This has been discussed quite a bit so I'll paraphrase. The very best, but expensive, are Lectrosonics. A good working model at a modest price is the Sennheiser G2. Whatever you do, don't spend less than $400(new) for whatever system you get and make sure it is a UHF system. How do you like the Rode NTG-2 with the V1? I need a shotgun for weddings/events to replace the stock mic. I have occasional access to an AT-4073a that is very nice, but I can't rely on it being there in a moment's notice. I want something more sensitive than the stock mic and I'm hoping for it not to sound too harsh or have excessive reflections indoors so maybe a full shotgun is not ideal. How is the NTG-2 indoors?

January 25th, 2008, 04:49 AM	#3
Harm Millaard Trustee Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands Posts: 1,832	I second that. One additional suggestion is to replace the Sennheiser lav by the Countryman B6.

January 25th, 2008, 01:53 PM	#5
Marcus Marchesseault Trustee Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 1,961	I didn't even realize that there was a lav system more expensive than Lectrosonics. If you can afford high-end wireless systems, it is worth the price. They last a long time and don't become obsolete easily. The reduction in anxiety about getting good audio is priceless. The same goes for mics and tripods/heads. Cameras become obsolete in a few years but mics and other supporting equipment can go over a decade. I haven't regretted the money I spent on a Lectrosonics lav one bit.

January 25th, 2008, 02:54 PM	#6
Marco Leavitt Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Albany, NY 12210 Posts: 2,652	With the future of the broadcast spectrum still up in the air I'd be real hesitant to invest in high-end wireless unless you are a working professional with clients demanding it. I can't say enough good things about the AudioTechnica AT1800 system. Replacing the lavs is a must though. At the very least get the AT899CW lav or better.

January 25th, 2008, 03:43 PM	#8
Marco Leavitt Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Albany, NY 12210 Posts: 2,652	Interesting Wayne. I've been trying to get good information about this, but it's kind of tough.